ED Networking/Referral Call - What to focus on?

Hello Everyone,

through some networking and sheer luck, I have been given the possibility to talk to an ED at a BB Investment Bank. He already said he would "refer" me, yet I wanted a talk for us to get to know each other so that his referral, in the end, might carry more weight/passion.

Having looked up the ED I am certain that I can connect to him regarding some hobbies and interests. Additionally, he is in my "favorite" industry group, which will certainly help.

I will mainly focus on learning more about his journey from SA to ED and what his recommendations are. Asking about whom else to contact on his team will also be on my agenda. I plan to maintain as easy a conversation as possible.

Are there any suggestions on what else I could focus on and things I should definitely avoid?

This is definitely a chance that I want to take and make the best of. I am already scouring all the topics on this boards since quite a few days :)

Any little hint helps!

All the best and thanks in advance!

3 Comments
 

As you mentioned, career progression is a good conversation topic. I’d ask about the coaching/mentoring, both informal and formal. I also ask about how they’ve seen the bank change over their time there. In general, I use conversations with senior bankers to gauge long term trajectory of the bank.

Only topic that I actively avoided was work life balance. As a career switcher, I didn’t wanted to give them the impression that the hours were a major concern.

 

Thank you very much for your advice.

How would go about the mentor aspect? I feel like it’s something I have to get a feel for during our conversations.

Best

 

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